tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20165054867941785532024-03-16T03:08:16.720-04:00Deana BarnhartTrudging through the publishing world with only my computer and imagination...Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.comBlogger474125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-66901114326757097242014-05-05T09:35:00.000-04:002014-05-05T09:35:09.960-04:00My Writing Process <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Monday! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was tagged by the lovely Laura Rueckert in the "My Writing Process" Blog Tour. What this means. You're going to get the low down on how my writing comes together. I know your psyched, right???</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I personally love this idea, because I enjoy reading how everyone else goes about their creative process. Laura's (see above) is pretty great and you can read all about her writing process <a href="http://www.laurarueckert.com/2014/04/my-writing-process-blog-tour.html?showComment=1398708670827#c7272288729660345979" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As for me...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What am I working on?</b></span></span></div>
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I am working on a novel (title currently up in the air) about a girl who is dying to get out of her old farm town and away from her parents corn field. There is something magical about this field, but she could care less. Until she finds a boy wandering through it speckled with blood and out of his mind. Weird things happen when it comes to the corn, so she writes it off with ease. But the mass murder they discover the next day in the same field can't so easily be forgotten....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yeah, I know it's sucky as far as pitch-worthy, but lucky for me, I'm not trying to pitch it at the moment, I'm just trying to get it out of my head. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How does my work
differ from others of its genre?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I wish I could give some fabulous answer here. That I write like no other, but the truth is, there are a kabillion writers in this world and many of them are fabulous! I can only hope that I can write the kind of book that I love to read...a page turner that leaves you guessing until the end. One thing I am finding with my books, is that I always like to have a touch of crazy in there some where. What's that say about me? Hmmm....</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Why do I write what I
do?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Writing for me is cathartic. When I sit down at a keyboard I imagine I'm like a pianist sitting down to compose. I love the feeling of putting my heart and soul into something whether it be through a new world and characters, or if I'm just writing a letter that my kids can read in the future. I love to write. Period. That's why I do it. If I add the fact that people may read it and actually be transported into a world that I find so captivating myself, that they too may actually enjoy it, well, it's the ultimate high! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>How does my writing
process work?</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Oh the elusive writing process. For me, I have to be inspired by something in the beginning. Be it a picture, an old house I drive by, or a person that catches my eye when I people watch. Yes, I love to watch people. You can learn so much about a person that way. Is that stalkerish? Whoops.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the inspiration, I build on that, create an idea, build on that, and so on and so forth until I have a pretty firm story in my head. Marinating like this takes some time and while I'm doing that, I begin researching things, places, people, fantastical options and routes I might want to take. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next, I begin plotting. I love <a href="http://www.savethecat.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">Blake Snyder's Save the Cat</span></b> </a>for screenwriting, but they have also adapted his idea for the novel writer as well. Another great plotting book is <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://plotwhisperer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Martha Alderson's Plot Whisperer</a>.</span></b> She has a <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/marthaalderson" target="_blank">You Tube series</a></span></b> on this that is fantastic!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Once I have beat that sucker out, I write the first draft. There are so many red squiggly lines and comments throughout the first draft that I can't imagine how a person could think I am an actual writer if they were to read it. My goal with the first draft is to just get it out of my head. I can pretty it up later. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The second draft is spend beefing up and dealing with my comments and the read squiggly lines from draft one. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The third is a kind of read through with a lot of repeating what I do in the second draft. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If I feel good enough at the third go round, I send it off to beta readers to hack through and I repeat the above steps until I feel it's ready to send to my agent. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It isn't a pretty process, but it's mine and I love it!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>These fabulous ladies are up next on the tour! Check out their Writing Process next Monday.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLG3VNISiD_8VqxSQXT-tvZEBhcP4v49g4XaHmlgkxdvKPgTx4hwoayXcVQpkzdNJiIbLeEWpH0YfiZJZbAQ1nW-7QoTIiCZPEuBZXn6Cg8r1KAQNqShkVNB7y8Y64TlpPzne4ZyLi1LG/s1600/Emily.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="My Photo" border="0" class="profile-img" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLG3VNISiD_8VqxSQXT-tvZEBhcP4v49g4XaHmlgkxdvKPgTx4hwoayXcVQpkzdNJiIbLeEWpH0YfiZJZbAQ1nW-7QoTIiCZPEuBZXn6Cg8r1KAQNqShkVNB7y8Y64TlpPzne4ZyLi1LG/s200/Emily.JPG" width="132" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b> Emily R King</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love stories, eccentrics, gummy bears, and eccentric stories about
gummy bears. I live on an island in the Pacific Northwest with my hubby
and four minions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow her blog <a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow her on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/erittelking" target="_blank">HERE</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1guqgQd-KmTKOUazxt9oanO6a93R5OxL4fijfNSrzlFIIgupQoHAYMm9g9LnHwEszfBnzWo994LeFp9EllpaD67HurhcZekVahdLsJM8VhW4HBTfHA7hZbDztGzT7V8PEtnpyEx2xHdaX/s1600/*" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="My Photo" border="0" class="profile-img" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1guqgQd-KmTKOUazxt9oanO6a93R5OxL4fijfNSrzlFIIgupQoHAYMm9g9LnHwEszfBnzWo994LeFp9EllpaD67HurhcZekVahdLsJM8VhW4HBTfHA7hZbDztGzT7V8PEtnpyEx2xHdaX/s200/*" width="150" /></a><b>Stephanie Scott</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Young Adult writer represented by Sarah LaPolla of Bradford Literary. I
write contemporary YA and wrote a 1960s-set YA romance. Member of Windy
City RWA and the YA-RWA chapter. Library Superfan, Award-winning
TV-Binger, and your cat's new best friend. I love celebrating other
writer's successes!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow her blog <a href="http://www.stephaniescott.net/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow her on Twitter <a href="http://www.stephaniescott.net/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsj-YpQs78kSeBOqOuhd5fTerXxVumGGUiFeSiPyW-uLeNNBag8fkcvnCUGw9RzI15TfdP4B_BefrbXEHFm_tdSQ76HxGfYYtj-WsAFqTsn5nx3ljVHpSIBuf8ENrgT2FbYDWvB_OfU0/s1600/IMG_8483+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Angela Cothran" border="0" height="200" id="Image1_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRsj-YpQs78kSeBOqOuhd5fTerXxVumGGUiFeSiPyW-uLeNNBag8fkcvnCUGw9RzI15TfdP4B_BefrbXEHFm_tdSQ76HxGfYYtj-WsAFqTsn5nx3ljVHpSIBuf8ENrgT2FbYDWvB_OfU0/s200/IMG_8483+%25282%2529.JPG" style="visibility: visible;" width="145" /></a><b>Angela Cothran </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I LOVE books of all kinds and in just the last few years I've discovered
I also LOVE to write. I'm currently working on creating a compelling
story: a little romance,a little betrayal, a well placed twist, and if a
few people die-well it was bound to happen :)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Follow her blog <a href="http://livetowrite1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>What about you? If you're a writer, what's your writing process like?</b></span></span></div>
Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com124tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-82482690693625227642014-04-28T12:01:00.000-04:002014-04-28T12:01:46.075-04:00Summer on the Short Bus <span style="font-size: large;">Lucky me recently got the opportunity to read Bethany Crandell's debut novel, Summer on the Short Bus in exchange for a review. Now, being a writer and all, I understand the hard work that goes into writing a book. The pages are like your children...or your pet if you don't have children...and you want others to love and accept them as much as you do. Because of that, when I review a book I don't like to trash it even if it isn't my favorite. I can always find something in a book that I enjoy. And anyone can tear down a book if they try, right? We see it happen all the time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Given that, finding praise for <i>Summer on a Short Bus</i> was not a problem in the least. If I was starring this baby, I'd easily give it five!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here's a little bit about the book:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_1BmDDoyrc4QsieMLJ69riAj2K_CifFhJvkGOijUrWh6NgXBBMTihZbWKSuL4fjE1SlLWthCgzzjIetHwBK4sOza4SfmvkWAmuDq8Z1ZIfJnDAk629Raub8zyncIJUxEk9q1mA_XAlFg/s1600/summer+on+the+short+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_1BmDDoyrc4QsieMLJ69riAj2K_CifFhJvkGOijUrWh6NgXBBMTihZbWKSuL4fjE1SlLWthCgzzjIetHwBK4sOza4SfmvkWAmuDq8Z1ZIfJnDAk629Raub8zyncIJUxEk9q1mA_XAlFg/s1600/summer+on+the+short+bus.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><span id="freeText9462553667469472807">Spoiled, Versace-clad
Cricket Montgomery has seventeen years of pampering under her belt. So
when her father decides to ship her off to a summer camp for disabled
teens to help her learn some accountability, Cricket resigns herself to
three weeks of handicapped hell. <br /><br />Her sentence takes a bearable
turn as she discovers the humor and likeability of the campers and grows
close to fellow counselors. Now, if she can just convince a certain Zac
Efron look-alike with amazing blue eyes that she finally realizes
there's life after Gucci, this summer could turn out to be the best
she's ever had.<br /><br />Summer on the Short Bus is a very non-P.C.,
contemporary YA with a lot of attitude, tons of laughs, and a little
life lesson along the way.</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText9462553667469472807"><b>My thoughts: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText9462553667469472807">From beginning to end, this book is the kind of read that had me squirming in my chair, not because it's bad, but because it digs deep, beyond the surface insecurities of a person and gets to what scares us all to the core....what we don't understand. Bethany is able to put it all out on the table, the good and the bad of being different and through it all, find the common ground that makes us all the same. The book touched my heart (yes, I did shed tears), and it hit my funny bone in a laugh out loud kind of way. This book is some kind of special. I</span><span id="freeText9462553667469472807"> highly suggest it, and thank Bethany for writing it in the process!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText9462553667469472807">Want to find out more about Bethany and where to buy Summer on the Short Bus? Go <a href="http://www.bethanycrandell.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span id="freeText9462553667469472807"><b>Have you read, Summer on the Short Bus? If so, what did you think?</b></span></span><br />
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<span id="freeText9462553667469472807"><br /></span>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-45236975754691632352014-04-15T08:48:00.000-04:002014-04-15T08:48:05.559-04:00What I Learned During My LOOOOOOOONG BreakIt's terribly hard to come back to this blog. I feel many things. Shame for staying away so long, excitement to get in touch with my old writing buddies. I've missed you! And eager to connect with those new writers starting out who are in the same place I was years ago, anxiously searching the web for advice on the next step to take on their writing journey.<br />
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I wish I had some major words of wisdom that I was able to pick up while I was on hiatus, but the truth is, I'm still the same person, struggling to learn more about myself, my writing and the industry.<br />
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I did, however, learn what works the best for me while revising that I'd love to share with you just in case you didn't already know.<br />
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<b>DEANA'S REVISING RULES</b></div>
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1) Don't move to a different state two times in a year while under a revising deadline. Ever. I'm not kidding.<br />
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2) A- Learn to say no. You're a writer so it's okay to turn off the phone and sit on your butt to write. You're not being lazy. You're working.<br />
B- Don't listen to others when they tell you that writing isn't a job. It's simple. If you're serious about it, it is! If you listen to the naysayers and in so doing disobey rule 2A out of self-inflicted guilt, it won't be.<br />
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3) Don't be scared of the delete button. If you're afraid of writing crap, don't save it. Later, if you find it really is as horrible as you thought it might be, use the undo button. That button became my best friend.<br />
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4) If you're doing a major scene change it's okay to just get the idea out. Just pound that sucker out on the keyboard. You can always go back and polish it later...like you did after your first draft.<br />
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5) If you're not super pumped to revise because you aren't sure the direction you want to go, just start. Those writing juices will kick in and before you know it, you won't want to stop.<br />
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6) If you find you're stuck on a paragraph for 4 hours....MOVE ON. You can always go back.<br />
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7) Don't crawl into a writing cave for so long that you're scared to come back into the light. Taking time away from social media while revising can be cathartic on many levels. But too long and you miss out on loads of wisdom (not to mention, cheering your writing buddies on in their successes). The writing world is always changing and ever evolving. When you finally decide to come back into the light, you may have to sprint to catch up, and I don't know about you, but I hate running. <br />
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Aside from my #1 are you sensing a theme here?<br />
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<b>DON'T BE AFRAID. KEEP ON TRUCKIN'.</b><br />
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If you're revising, it's for a reason. You're manuscript needs tweaking. Meaning it's not perfect in the state it's in and you are allowed to change things up a bit. Don't be afraid, but always save the original version just in case you're so hopped up on caffeine one night while revising until 4 AM that you end up with pure gibberish. Yes that did happen to me more than once.<br />
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That's it folks. Wonderful wisdom imparted...of which I'm sure many of you already know and may have experienced yourself. So tell me about it. <b>What have you had to learn the hard way about revising? </b><br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-48349530750750203952013-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:002013-04-29T06:00:04.199-04:00I, Spy All Kinds of Awesomness...About two years ago I sent my <b>first</b> novel off to my <b>first</b> beta reader and in return received my <b>first</b> 'tough love' critique. That beta reader was Jordan McCollum, and she changed my writing life for the better because of it. I love that she cared enough to give me the real deal truth about the good and bad of my manuscript and my writing. I often think about that critique and how the ugly truth had me laughing myself to tears as I read through the pages upon pages of notes she returned to me. In that moment I knew I had two choices: Wallow in my misery at the revelation that my writing was less than perfect, or learn from Jordan's words of wisdom and become a better writer.<br />
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I chose the latter, and because of her, I believe I do write better. Of course I'm still learning, but I have tougher skin now, and I really look forward to those truthful critiques like hers so I can continue to grow.<br />
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I owe Jordan so much for what she did for me. And now I get a small chance to say thanks by helping to reveal the cover of her new book...which is awesome!!!<br />
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<b><i>I, Spy</i> by Jordan McCollum</b>—<b>Coming June 5, 2013!</b><br />
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<h3>
About the Book</h3>
<b>Canada is probably the last place you'd expect to find an American spy.</b> But even idyllic Ottawa has its deadly secrets—and so does CIA operative Talia Reynolds. She can climb through ventilation shafts, blend in at the occasional diplomatic function, even scale buildings (small ones). <b>But there’s one thing she can’t do: tell her aerospace engineer boyfriend Danny about her Top Secret occupation.</b><br />
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It worked for a year, keeping Danny in the dark, keeping him away from danger, keeping her secrets.<b> And then Talia finally catches a hot case: Fyodor Timofeyev.</b> Russian. Aerospace executive. Possible spy?<br />
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She can make this work, too—until Danny needs her at the same time her country does. And when Fyodor targets Danny? Suddenly her schedule isn't the only thing suffering. <b>Now to save her secrets and her country, Talia must sacrifice the man she loves.</b><br />
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<a href="http://jordanmccollum.com/books/i-spy/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z41/MamaBlogga/ISpy_CVR_LRG.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852668-i-spy">Add <i>I, Spy</i> to your Goodreads to-read list!</a></b><br />
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<h3>
Advance praise</h3>
<blockquote>
The edge-of-my-seat undercover operations kept me turning pages, and just when I thought the story would go one way, plot twists sent it down another path. Thrilling, adventurous, and romantic, this book has it all for an <i>Alias</i> fan.<br />
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— <a href="http://jamigold.com/">Jami Gold</a>, award-winning author</div>
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Jordan McCollum’s debut novel is a delightful combination of mystery, action, and romance. Talia’s CIA training and almost OCD caution feed her quirky humor while exposing her very human fears and insecurities. Add in her boyfriend Danny, and it's enough to twist your heart.<br />
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— <a href="http://weavingataleortwo.blogspot.com/">Donna K. Weaver</a>, author of <i>A Change of Plans</i></div>
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<blockquote>
Clever, suspenseful, and charged with political intrigue and romance, <i>I, Spy</i> is the perfect combination for a fun and captivating read!<br />
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— <a href="http://www.michelledavidsonargyle.com/">Michelle Davidson Argyle</a>, author of <i>Monarch</i></div>
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<h3>
About the author</h3>
<a href="http://jordanmccollum.com/about/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z41/MamaBlogga/JordanMcCollumauthorphoto.jpg" width="133" /></a><br />
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An award-winning author, Jordan McCollum can’t resist a story where good defeats evil and true love conquers all. In her day job, she coerces people to do things they don’t want to, elicits information and generally manipulates the people she loves most—she’s a mom. <br />
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Jordan holds a degree in American Studies and Linguistics from Brigham Young University. When she catches a spare minute, her hobbies include reading, knitting and music. She lives with her husband and four children in Utah.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/JordanMcCollum">Follow Jordan on Twitter</a>, <a href="http://facebook.com/JordanMcCollumAuthor">like Jordan on Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17852668-i-spy">add <i>I, Spy</i> on Goodreads</a> today!</b><br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-16255764217344276512013-03-26T06:00:00.000-04:002013-03-26T06:00:00.121-04:00Writing Alternate History (It's Not For Pansies)I have no problem telling the world that I'm enamored with Sharon Bayliss:) Why not? The woman is a work horse writer, she's been my beta reader, she's a marketing guru and she's got a debut novel called THE CHARGE coming out! Add having a baby amidst it all...like I said, I'm enamored!<br />
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Today you get to share in my girl crush because Sharon has stopped by for a guest post. In light of her upcoming novel she's throwing a blog tour and has been kind enough to include me in the fun.<br />
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Soooo, without further ado, I give you Sharon Bayliss: Writing Alternate History (It's Not For Pansies)....<br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Okay,
confession time. I'm not a history buff. In school, I liked history at
least more than math, but I've always been more interested in the
present and future. So, why did I write an alternate history? Probably
because I love to make things hard for myself. :) But, I suppose if I'm
allowed to change history into whatever I want and add a touch of magic,
it's a lot more fun.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; width: 576px;"><colgroup><col width="*"></col></colgroup><tbody>
<tr style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px solid #000000; padding: 6px 6px 6px 6px; vertical-align: middle;"></td></tr>
<tr align="left" style="height: 0px;"><td style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0); padding: 4px 6px 6px; vertical-align: middle;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The flag of the Texas Empire, based on the first official flag of the Republic of Texas.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">My alternate history fantasy, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Charge</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">,
is set in an alternate present day North America and in this reality,
the state of Texas never joined the United States and instead became
it's own nation. For those of you who know American history, this
possibility would have been unlikely, but it is based on reality. Texas
was an independent nation from March 2, 1836, to February 19, 1846. So,
it follows that inquisitive types might wonder what would have happened
if Texas never joined the U.S.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Charge</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> isn't
meant to be a realistic theory of what might have happened if Texas
stayed it's own nation, it's meant to be more of a fantastical
"what-if". For starters, the first President of Texas in my alternate
history had supernatural powers, so I play pretty fast and loose with
reality. :) However, that doesn't get me off the hook research-wise.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
actually did my research after I finished writing the story, and that
strategy worked for me. An interesting alternate history is all fine and
good, but if you want a story that people actually want to read, (and
by "people", I mean more than just history teachers) the plot and
character development are far more important than an clever "what-if"
premise.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">However,
my general readership may also include some history buffs. Every time I
thought about getting lazy with my research, this fictional alternate
history geek would pop into my mind and start pointing out my mistakes.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If
you want to do an alternate history, you really have to sit down and
re-write history. My history deviates in 1836, so anything that existed
before then gets to stay the same. Everything that happened after that
is called into question. I wrote the timeline of all the big events that
happened from 1836-2013 in my alternate world. I had to consider how my
change would have impacted real events like the Civil War and The Great
Depression and had to come up with likely new wars and important
events.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">If
you're writing an alternate history, I suggest going through your novel
with a fine-toothed comb and looking for any references that could
possibly have been altered by your change in timeline. Places, events,
brand names, political figures, basically any proper noun. Cities were
an obvious issue. For example, Sam Houston does not exist in my timeline
so there can be no city called Houston in Texas. And then there are
smaller things. I realized that using the term "African-American" to
describe race didn't make sense when I was referring to a Texas
resident, they would technically be an "African-Texan".</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When
you're creating new events, I suggest modeling real world events. It's
easier to make events seem plausible when they are similar to real
things that have happened. No one can say, "that would never happen", if
actually did or almost did. I used a lot of Cold War parallels to
describe the twentieth century conflicts between the U.S. and the Texas
Empire, but my Cold War got hot. Instead of the Red Scare, I have the
"Blue Scare," a wave of irrational and intense hatred of Texas. And I
use the Cuban Missile Crisis as a model for the events that led to the
U.S. bombing the Texas Empire. The main difference is that in my
version, the disaster isn't narrowly avoided, it happens, and of course,
Castro is replaced with the current King of Texas.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">History
buff or not, writing an alternate history is not for the faint of
heart. Expect to spend some time with your nose a history books. But I
have to say, I had a blast and I loved the challenge. And I have plenty
of information in the timeline I created that never comes up in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The Charge</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: 17px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">, so I've got lots of good stuff left to use for later installments or possibly even a prequel. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXedyAQCDTnCymtBHeluH7pkhQFrCHy5o8wgRNlQ9EsMcUpragZJ2v5Y3DbsSeO3ocG24lgZxF2wkA4QUiMQwbVSf9YYTBGh8amAQyt4aPwzeHwguS6YJ1WWndgqngirq2n84XFgPUmFFx/s1600/sharon+bayliss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXedyAQCDTnCymtBHeluH7pkhQFrCHy5o8wgRNlQ9EsMcUpragZJ2v5Y3DbsSeO3ocG24lgZxF2wkA4QUiMQwbVSf9YYTBGh8amAQyt4aPwzeHwguS6YJ1WWndgqngirq2n84XFgPUmFFx/s200/sharon+bayliss.jpg" width="133" /></a><b>About Sharon:</b><br />
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sharon
Bayliss is a native of Austin, Texas and works her day job in the field
of social work. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living in her
“happily-ever-after” with her husband and two young sons. She can be
found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the
mud (which she calls gardening). You can connect with Sharon at </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/authorsharonbayliss"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.facebook.com/authorsharonbayliss</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><b> , </b> </span><a href="http://www.sharonbayliss.com/"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">www.sharonbayliss.com</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> <b>and</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/sharonbayliss"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://twitter.com/sharonbayliss</span></a></div>
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<b>About <i>The Charge: </i></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #454545; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When
King of the Texas Empire kidnaps Warren's brother, Warren embarks into a
still Wild West to save him. On his journey, he makes a discovery that
changes his life forever—he and his brother are long-lost members of the
Texas royal family and the King wants them both dead. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #454545; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">He
gets help from an activist Texan named Lena, who's itching to take on
the King and happens to be a beautiful firecracker Warren can't stay
away from. Convincing her he's not one of the bad guys becomes harder
when a mysterious energy stirs in his body, turning his brain into a
hive of emotions and memories—not all his own.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #454545; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A
legacy of violence is not all he inherited from the brutal Kings of
Texas. The myth that the royal family possesses supernatural powers may
not be myth at all.</span></b></div>
<b><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #454545; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #454545; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Gone
are the days when choosing a major was a big deal. Now Warren must save
his brother and choose whether or not to be King, follow a King, or die
before he can retire his fake ID. </span></b><br />
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<b>Doesn't that sound sooooo good? Here are some pretty fabulous links to get your paws on this book....</b><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2c241711/" id="rc-2c241711" rel="nofollow">The Charge - a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Purchase Links</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">:</span> </span><a href="http://amzn.com/B00BNPCHGQ"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://amzn.com/B00BNPCHGQ</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"> http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-charge-sharon-bayliss/1114745688</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Facebook</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">: </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheChargeBook"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.facebook.com/TheChargeBook</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheChargeBook"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Goodreads</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">: </span><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239442-the-charge"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239442-the-charge</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17239442-the-charge"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">NetGalley</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (free review copies): </span><a href="https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/28197"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: blue; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/show/id/28197</span></a><br />
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<b><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>What do you all think about writing alternate history?</b> </span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></b></div>
Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-84648732000566787182013-03-22T12:51:00.001-04:002013-03-22T12:51:40.016-04:00Spam sucks...but book releases, cover reveals and a winner does not!Let me count the ways that I hate spam! I thought I was doing a pretty good job of filtering it out, but NOOOOO, I was mistaken. <b>Does anyone have any tips on how I can get rid of the crap?</b> That would be ever so great:)<br />
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<br />
In other news...and this is good stuff, one of my writer friends has had a book release and another had her cover reveal so I just wanted to give them a quick shout out!<br />
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<a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2013/03/my-book-cover-reveal-and-my-teams-pick.html" target="_blank"><b>Brenda Drake's</b> </a>birthday is today...so a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! For a present she is revealing the cover of her book, LIBRARY JUMPERS! Check it out...And go visit her blog and tell her how awesome it is if you get a chance:) <br />
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<br />
Yesterday was a big day for <b><a href="http://getbetweenthebookends.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kelley Lynn!</a></b> Her debut novel, FRACTION OF STONE was released. Woot woot!!!! Check it out and stop by her blog to give her a big wuzz up!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQstf8VZJ-_-UFxjQjKiASTrA0d7Sdr0Kj8JVROUTDFR0D8zCr4LXwrAmKQ3fGNDe2CwrZAaTVDdMPWF1l77VxLkDeZhTDZbD_sxKWR-2h4zxcOOgduqZinwcMUtwrSYseHj06XOI-74/s1600/Fraction+of+Stone+Cover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="225" id="Image6_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikQstf8VZJ-_-UFxjQjKiASTrA0d7Sdr0Kj8JVROUTDFR0D8zCr4LXwrAmKQ3fGNDe2CwrZAaTVDdMPWF1l77VxLkDeZhTDZbD_sxKWR-2h4zxcOOgduqZinwcMUtwrSYseHj06XOI-74/s310/Fraction+of+Stone+Cover.JPG" style="visibility: visible;" width="150" /></a></div>
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And finally we have a winner for the copy of The Carnelian Legacy!!! Congrats S. T. Lakata!!! I just sent you an email:)Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-49133840545783565952013-03-14T07:00:00.000-04:002013-03-14T12:20:53.292-04:00The Carnelian Legacy Book Launch Giveaway!<span id="internal-source-marker_0.30835657605075406" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I'm super excited to be able to give a shout out to Cheryl Koevoet today! Her new novel, THE CARNELIAN LEGACY was released this month and I cannot wait to get my little nubblies on it:) </span><br />
<br />
<span id="internal-source-marker_0.30835657605075406" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's learn a little bit about this cool chick and her book, then you can enter to win a copy of the THE CARNELIAN LEGACY all for yourself!</span><br />
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<a href="http://cherylkoevoet.com/images/e7868dc81b4ec89bef5d7640e23deb57_pn34.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="middle" alt="" border="0" height="320" src="http://cherylkoevoet.com/images/e7868dc81b4ec89bef5d7640e23deb57_pn34.png" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px;" width="225" /></a></div>
<a href="http://cherylkoevoet.com/images/a56e913b6e2abd08ab29be294b1ddf70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="http://cherylkoevoet.com/images/a56e913b6e2abd08ab29be294b1ddf70.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.30835657605075406" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Hi Cheryl! First of all, congrats on the release of your novel, THE CARNELIAN LEGACY! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: What would you like the world to know about Cheryl Hettick?</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>A: I love to write and I love to share
with others. When I combine these two things together, I create
something that I hope will last and resonate with many generations.</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: Can you give a small blurb about what we can expect from this book? </span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><i>A: Eighteen-year-old Marisa MacCallum
always knew the man of her dreams was out there somewhere. The problem
is--he's in another dimension.</i></b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: You've signed with WestBow Press. I'd love to know the details on how this came about and how you like working with them. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>A: I am a firm believer that everything
happens for a reason. After searching for almost a year for a literary
agent (without success) I began to question the entire process of going
the "traditional" route. Just because I couldn't find someone to fall in
love with my story didn't mean that it wasn't worth publishing. When I
decided to go with WestBow, I was a little apprehensive at first, but
the folks there have been kind and gracious the entire way. I have
enjoyed learning the process of steps that turn a manuscript into a
physical book and looking back now, I wouldn't have done it any other
way.</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: On
your blog, you made the announcement that in Sept 2012 that CARNELIAN LEGACY would be published (squee)! And lookie here, the time has arrived only six months later! That's so fast! What have you had to
do to prepare for this big moment?</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"><b>A: To be honest, I haven't had any time
to rest on my laurels yet! I have taken the story through countless
edits and through it all, I have always been my own worst critic. Like
one of my main characters, I am a recovering perfectionist and am always
trying to push each scene to it's outermost limit. I have been
blogging, tweeting, and facebook-ing like a maniac to build up my
platform.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: Where can we get your book?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>A: You will find the link to purchase the softcover version at Amazon.com <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Carnelian-Legacy-Cheryl-Koevoet/dp/144978089X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362242906&sr=8-2&keywords=the+carnelian+legacy" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
For customers in Europe and the UK, you'll find the link at Amazon.co.uk <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Carnelian-Legacy-Cheryl-Koevoet/dp/144978089X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362243065&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
For all versions of the book, I have created a page at Goodreads. The softcover version link is <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17453523-the-carnelian-legacy" target="_blank">here</a>.</b></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Q<span style="font-size: small;">: </span></span>Where can we find you online?</span><br /><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">A: </span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;">www.CherylKoevoet.com<br />
<a href="http://www.oregongirlabroad.blogspot.com/">www.OregonGirlAbroad.blogspot.com</a><br />
www.CarnelianLegacy.com<br />
www.facebook.com/CarnelianLegacy<br />
www.facebook.com/AuthorCherylKoevoet<br />
Twitter: @CherylKoevoet<br />
YouTube link to the book trailer: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyuB51AMvEE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyuB51AMvEE</a> </span></span></b><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Read<span style="font-size: small;">y. Get Set<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span>Fast five:</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: Fill in the blank - If I were a shoe, I'd be a ______________?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>: Manolo Blahnik</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: Favorite place?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>: Cannon Beach, Oregon<br />
</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Q: You're
face to face with the entrance of a cave. All is black inside, except
for the red rimmed eyes of a creature. What happens next?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>: I would send in my fearless main character, Darian Fiore with his Excalibur to defend me.</span></b><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Q</span>: Rainy days and sweatpants or sunny days and a swimsuit?</span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">What does your future hold?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>: I'm an Oregon girl at heart. Rainy days and sweatpants!</span></b><br />
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Thanks so much for stopping by, Cheryl! I wish you the best of luck with THE CARNELIAN LEGACY:) Happy release <span style="font-size: small;">month</span>!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Here's your chance, guys! If you'd like to win a copy of THE CARNELIAN LEGACY enter the Rafflecopter below! A winner will be announced Friday, 3/22/13:) Good luck!!</span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/73c4d80/" id="rc-73c4d80" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-45044323698313321692013-03-06T11:30:00.000-05:002013-03-06T11:30:21.541-05:00Happy Moments and My Madeline!Hey guys! I just had to pop on and do a quick little post because I'm jumping with all the joy today!<br />
<br />
I woke up to a very happy tweet this morning from the loverly, Triona Murphy. She participated in GUTGGA a few months ago and today she got to announce that she landed an agent from it!!! Read her story <a href="http://thinkingtoinking.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-i-got-my-agent.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>!<br />
<br />
And it isn't only Triona! But PK Hrezo did too! Granted this happened a while back and I was going to do interviews and post them on my blog...I still am, but I don't have to tell you how badly I suck with my blogging of late. So I'm just gonna say it now and interview later:) Check out PK's story <a href="http://pk-hrezo.blogspot.com/2012/12/how-i-got-my-agent.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
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I couldn't be happier for them! So the moral of this post is, go forth, enter contests, let them help you. Even if you don't land an agent from it, the feedback you get is soooo worth it. I have gotten so many emails and tweets about how GUTGAA helped them polish their manuscripts and eventually get an agent. That is the reason I did it, so I'm just so freaking happy for those of you that it's helped!<br />
<br />
<b>I hope to hear more stories in the future about it too. Please let me know if something exciting happens to you because of GUTGAA.</b><br />
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<b>In other news, this little lady took part in Kristina Perez's, Madeline Project. I'd love it if you checked it out:) <a href="http://proust.kristinaperez.com/deanabarnhart/" target="_blank">Deana Barnhart's Madeline</a> </b><br />
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<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-30499977364650584802013-02-14T07:00:00.000-05:002013-02-14T07:00:01.946-05:00Let the Cyber Hugs Fly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB8XPYCdO5QGhRbP9tusZWeuwum-HmwwsheUAlkywW9JpQUxWx8GXG7ZxjdkrpH6hqRvcfWm-d6eigRSV3ZCDQw-uN6CU5Blb_UvA0BfawSkZR2I2iBRRzpZIgouB-33c0XDw5lA5vz7t/s1600/kisses4ugif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqB8XPYCdO5QGhRbP9tusZWeuwum-HmwwsheUAlkywW9JpQUxWx8GXG7ZxjdkrpH6hqRvcfWm-d6eigRSV3ZCDQw-uN6CU5Blb_UvA0BfawSkZR2I2iBRRzpZIgouB-33c0XDw5lA5vz7t/s1600/kisses4ugif.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Happy Heart Day, Loverlies!</b></span></span></div>
<br />
On Monday I announced that I'm turning February, the month of hugs and kisses, on its tail and giving it to you all. My hubs doesn't mind:)<br />
<br />
I challenged you on that same day to <a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-month-of-lurve.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: blue;">gush about yourself</span></b>.</a> And what great gushes they were. <br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Today, I want to give you the chance to shoot your cupid arrow into the heart of anyone in the writing industry that you respect, admire, want to be like. The choice is yours. </span></span><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b><br />
<br />
I'll break the ice and get us started. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I have heaps of love for...</b></span></div>
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My Pied Piper critique pals</div>
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My beta buddies Emily, Sharon, Lora and soon to be Alex:)</div>
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My agent, Sarah Lapolla</div>
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Sarah's other clients who I admire, stalk & totally look up </div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Agents and editors who take the time to offer guidance </div>
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Cupid and her agent connecting contests (as well as all the others who host pitch contests)</div>
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Authors who write addictive books that inspire</div>
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NanoRevMo buddies</div>
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Social media peoples who motivate</div>
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Writers conference friends</div>
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And last but not least I'm a better writer because of YOU ALL! I'm continuously motivated and inspired by your journeys. You make me want to be better! Mucho LOVES and HUGS!!!!!<br />
<br />
<b>Now it's your turn. Who has impacted you in the writing world that you can't go another day without recognizing? Shout em out and spread the word. Let's make today a total love fest! </b><br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-5041196002244082062013-02-11T12:52:00.000-05:002013-02-11T12:52:33.567-05:00The Month of Lurve. . . . <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fn7ARj6m37MQPl2yAoLpPreMiiY3ln4o7uG-856htT2Bhk1ua0RCuqqs4ABt9Cs2CoEQBe_7X6dRxGh3gHav6jr7_myEpJ52m0qbu8U6LB2zDgayhVNVpOj8kOF3-cbB80opR4ZpL1j6/s1600/Floatyhearts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fn7ARj6m37MQPl2yAoLpPreMiiY3ln4o7uG-856htT2Bhk1ua0RCuqqs4ABt9Cs2CoEQBe_7X6dRxGh3gHav6jr7_myEpJ52m0qbu8U6LB2zDgayhVNVpOj8kOF3-cbB80opR4ZpL1j6/s200/Floatyhearts.gif" width="191" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fn7ARj6m37MQPl2yAoLpPreMiiY3ln4o7uG-856htT2Bhk1ua0RCuqqs4ABt9Cs2CoEQBe_7X6dRxGh3gHav6jr7_myEpJ52m0qbu8U6LB2zDgayhVNVpOj8kOF3-cbB80opR4ZpL1j6/s1600/Floatyhearts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fn7ARj6m37MQPl2yAoLpPreMiiY3ln4o7uG-856htT2Bhk1ua0RCuqqs4ABt9Cs2CoEQBe_7X6dRxGh3gHav6jr7_myEpJ52m0qbu8U6LB2zDgayhVNVpOj8kOF3-cbB80opR4ZpL1j6/s200/Floatyhearts.gif" width="192" /></a></div>
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Oh February! It's here and passing quickly. The month of love, of togetherness, of celebrating each other. And I want to do just that.<br />
<br />
I am dedicating this month to you!<br />
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That's right. I want all my posts this month to be about other writer's successes. Because you know what? We all deserve it. This writing road is freaking hard and stressful and up and down and round and round....and so completely worth it! Don't you think? I'd love it if you stopped by from time to time and gave a big ole cyber hug of congrats to the writers that will be spotlighted. <br />
<br />
And just so everyone will get their moment to share in the smooches and squishes being doled out, I'm going to have a LOVE SHOUT OUT. Is there anyone in your writing world that means the world to you? Stop by on Valentine's Day and let them know how much they mean to you.<br />
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So let's start the gushing party, and let's start it with you. I know writer's aren't the best at paying themsleves compliments, but today you MUST.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EbLXSmZm7BwwaTZZoUnfxm0aODqKXmBClNWQIKpw-lowke00GwI-h6hSds2s0EOucgme0jQd5WvoX9qIoA7LIrLnuRM0stYaz4rkFg5gntNR9fY6OMXVsDPq17TEgewbJr-GVEQEB3RJ/s1600/heart-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-EbLXSmZm7BwwaTZZoUnfxm0aODqKXmBClNWQIKpw-lowke00GwI-h6hSds2s0EOucgme0jQd5WvoX9qIoA7LIrLnuRM0stYaz4rkFg5gntNR9fY6OMXVsDPq17TEgewbJr-GVEQEB3RJ/s1600/heart-3.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>What milestones have you reached on your </b><br />
<b> writing journey that deserve to be shouted from the rooftops? It can be anything. Have you started your first novel, found a critique group, gotten a book deal? Tell me all the things! Because I want to give you all the love!</b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-50525195245275691862013-01-24T12:34:00.000-05:002013-01-24T12:34:24.449-05:00I'm BAA-ACK!!! And 18 THINGSI can't believe I've trudged my way back here. There were times I thought I might never make it. So a big WUZZ UP my friends!!! I have missed you so!<br />
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How can I miss you, but stay away, you ask? Weell, let me just tell you, it has to do with severe burn out. I've learned some things about myself this past month or two since I've been gone. I've learned that we are NOT all created equal.<br />
<br />
I thought I could do it!<br />
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I thought I could do a massive GUTGAA blogfest, help with two others, go to Disney for Thanksgiving, beta read a manuscript, multiple query critiques, Christmas, shopping, travelling, New Years hoopla, kids school crap and a pretty large and in charge revision of my my own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cr83VCPNSMdYiSpXpR1lzp3dAcGIq3E1eY5KxVPDSf1_qYsPunyYnkOWOcWMPTruhYePxv4S4eslfr6VWPBscAnVazYOmcdaDv93JlkH1jslJ2GsByqL6lbboBuEaHTq6pbBfv7tTu6F/s1600/brendanfraiserhahahaclap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Cr83VCPNSMdYiSpXpR1lzp3dAcGIq3E1eY5KxVPDSf1_qYsPunyYnkOWOcWMPTruhYePxv4S4eslfr6VWPBscAnVazYOmcdaDv93JlkH1jslJ2GsByqL6lbboBuEaHTq6pbBfv7tTu6F/s1600/brendanfraiserhahahaclap.gif" /></a></div>
Yeah, not so much. I started to beat myself up over it. I mean some of you all do stuff like this on your lunch break, but *insert major sigh* I am not that person.<br />
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And I'm cool with that now. Just so you know I still love you all. You were in my thoughts constantly:)<br />
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Now that I am back, I want to give my buddy Jamie Ayers a major shout out!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">TODAY IS THE RELEASE OF HER NEW BOOK!!!!</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtHvJYLEe75fU76a_v9FKh9BZcTjgxcmyJyncGfFnxHg4-8zDOx5qgol7ZlYixJfyu59TGdCz1kHIo0jWj5BmIO1xQnW4aWk_ouEHZ9lqg-cBIlMZUM-NSTMxU6LlovtQxjdAaWArHC6F/s1600/18+things.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtHvJYLEe75fU76a_v9FKh9BZcTjgxcmyJyncGfFnxHg4-8zDOx5qgol7ZlYixJfyu59TGdCz1kHIo0jWj5BmIO1xQnW4aWk_ouEHZ9lqg-cBIlMZUM-NSTMxU6LlovtQxjdAaWArHC6F/s320/18+things.gif" width="224" /></a></div>
Don't you love that cover?!<br />
<br />
To kick off this crazy cool day right, you can join in the 18 Things <a href="http://jamieayres.com/2013/01/14/what-are-your-18-things-blogfest-kinda-signup-not-just-for-bloggers-anymore/" target="_blank">BOOK BOMB</a>. Don't know what that is? Go<a href="http://jamieayres.com/2013/01/14/what-are-your-18-things-blogfest-kinda-signup-not-just-for-bloggers-anymore/" target="_blank"> <b>HERE</b></a> to check it out! I'm so totally excited for her! I wish her the best in so many ways!!!<br />
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You should totally go buy this book. I am! Here are the links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/kindle/dp/B00B53VJ38/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_eos_detail" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3b0466; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Amazon</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/18-Things-by-Jamie-Ayres?store=book&keyword=18+Things+by+Jamie+Ayres" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px; color: #3b0466; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></div>
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<b>Now for the big question. What's everyone been up to while I've been away? I would seriously love to hear and and ALL the news!</b></div>
Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-49464899290112469422012-12-04T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-04T08:00:12.436-05:00Announcing Pitch Wars Agents!<br />
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<big><big><b><big>Pitch Wars ... the agents!</big></b></big></big></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3ez-1vHrc5btJT0G6NZDUOBtB4hkjVz4BxGt342i80B_1-nICZ6L33l5K7lcVSAJFY7oSTqLlGw2ZsN3ylsTOot8-k3shOo2H3AYOOUD7zeasOMB0i4pzmtXJ570_1vXy-hv-N2ASVmY/s1600/Pitch+Wars.png" style="color: #1155cc; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" class="" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.1&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Are you ready for this? We have <i><b>16</b></i> incredible agents vying for our Pitch Wars team manuscripts. We're so excited to see what pitches they fall in love with, and what teams will win the coveted Pitch Wars Most Requested Manuscript title. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>And, in no particular order, here are the agents...</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img align="left" alt="" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.2&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="183" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.louisefury.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><b>Louise Fury</b></i></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://lperkinsagency.com/about_the_agency" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b>L. Perkins Agency</b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/louisefury" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @louisefury</a></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Louise is seeking <span style="text-decoration: underline;">t</span>een Sci-Fi and Young Adult horror. She<span style="font-size: small;">'s</span> also on the hunt for deep, dark contemporary YA and select Middle Grade fiction with a literary feel--it must be realistic and thought provoking and the characters must be authentic and original. Louise loves horror and romance, especially Regency and Victorian.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzCRxSlPNFc/ULT9sK80hsI/AAAAAAAACNs/lvvTnu8gJHg/s1600/Jessica+Sinsheimer.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.3&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="119" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Jessica Sinsheimer</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.sarahjanefreymann.com/about.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/jsinsheim" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @jsinsheim</a></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jessica is seeking Literary, Women's, Middle Grade, and Young Adult Fiction.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_a-Ncv1D614/ULT_T3_ScnI/AAAAAAAACN0/zVHIIinUk2A/s1600/Natalie-fischer-alt.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.4&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="188" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.adventuresinagentland.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>Natalie Fischer Lakosil</i></b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.bradfordlit.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bradford Literary Agency</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Natalie_Lakosil" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @Natalie_Lakosil</a></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Natalie<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>is looking for commercial fiction, with an emphasis in children’s literature (from picture book-teen), romance (contemporary, paranormal and historical), and upmarket women’s fiction. Specific likes include historical, multi-cultural, paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, gritty, thrilling and darker contemporary novels, and middle grade with heart. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E5pYUNG6iGw/ULUBCRM1SOI/AAAAAAAACN8/RHZUdD3Zb7U/s1600/Pam.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.5&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://bookalicious.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><b>Pam van Hyckama Vlieg</b></i></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.larsenpomada.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Larsen Pomada Literary Agents</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/BookaliciousPam" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @BookaliciousPam</a></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pam represents young adult and middle grade children’s book authors, and adult romance authors.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsTZm9GEACY/ULUE-p-3lFI/AAAAAAAACOo/hci6Zn1mlyo/s1600/jordy.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.6&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="146" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://jordyalbert.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>Jordy Albert</i></b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.thebookeralbertagency.com/agents.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Booker Albert Agency</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/bluedragonfly81" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @bluedragonfly81</a></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jordy is <span style="font-size: small;">on the look out for</span> Romance (contemporary, historical/Regency, and paranormal). YA contemporary/historical or dystopian, sci-fi/fantasy with romance elements. She<span style="font-size: small;">'</span>s also open to YA GLBT within those genres. She'd love to see unique, well-developed plots featuring time travel, competitions, or travel.</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VhpxN8Hnnr4/ULa_U5Gu9xI/AAAAAAAACU8/LDRR_nIjqb8/s1600/andrea-somberg.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.7&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.andreasomberg.com/cms/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><b>Andrea Somberg</b></i></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.harveyklinger.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Harvey Klinger Inc.</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/andreasomberg" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @andreasomberg</a></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andrea<span style="font-size: small;">'</span>s looking for<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>the following categories: Fiction; literary, commercial, womens fiction, romance, thrillers, mystery, paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, young adult, middle grade.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtCtGTbWpyU/ULVLvtLausI/AAAAAAAACQA/4omKP0e8GEg/s1600/Jenn+Mishler.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.8&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="134" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Jennifer Mishler</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.literarycounsel.com/index.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Literary Counsel</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/literarycounsel" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @literarycounsel</a></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jennifer is seeking Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult Contemporary, Young Adult Literary, and Young Adult Historical. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DfYBhnvrtE/ULZINCVVMPI/AAAAAAAACQs/1V9lLpDyLmQ/s1600/suzy.JPG" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.9&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://confessionsofawanderingheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>Suzie Townsend</i></b></a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://newleafliterary.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">New Leaf Literary &amp; Media, Inc.</a></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/sztownsend81" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @sztownsend81</a></b> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suzie represents adult and children's fiction. In adult, she's specifically looking for romance (historical and paranormal), and fantasy (urban fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, epic fantasy). In Childrens' she loves YA (all subgenres) and is dying to find great Middle Grade projects (especially something akin to the recent movie SUPER 8).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PKjCW4a-GVE/ULaC5H02EoI/AAAAAAAACRs/KnlmON-DSns/s1600/victoria.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.10&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Victoria Marini</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.gelfmanschneider.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Gelfman Schneider Literary Agents, Inc.</a></b><i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/LitAgentMarini" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @LitAgentMarini</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Victoria is looking for literary fiction, commercial fiction, pop-culture non-fiction, and young adult. She is very interested in acquiring engaging Literary fiction and mysteries / suspense, commercial women's fiction (romantic suspense, sci-fi, fantasy), and Young Adult (contemporary, sci-fi/fantasy, thriller and horror ).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UW_Qt9cxrs0/ULaKisLHlfI/AAAAAAAACSc/bDRda7RXyss/s1600/Kerry+Sparks.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.11&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><a href="http://www.mynameispabst.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Kerry Sparks</a></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.levinegreenberg.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Levine Greenberg Literary Agency, Inc.</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/Kerry_Sparks" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @Kerry_Sparks</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kerry is looking for Young Adult and Middle-Grade fiction, both commercial and literary. She tends to shy away from werewolves, zombies, faeries, and the like, but she’ll read anything with a fresh voice and compelling characters. She is particularly keen on contemporary YA, quirky MG, books with a strong cinematic element. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_OQ6gFYRzg/ULaORWrYNRI/AAAAAAAACTM/eXQV0W1EyDY/s1600/Drea.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.12&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="143" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://literarychampion.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><i><b>Drea Cohane</b></i></a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.therightsfactory.com/index.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Rights Factory Literary Agents</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Drea is currently seeking: fiction, memoir, crime, non-fiction and YA. Her roster consists of British, American, and Canadian clients. International talent is welcome.</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-67AE88vRRjI/ULaQz-ASyPI/AAAAAAAACT8/duWLPlOKRkY/s1600/Katie.png" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.13&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Katie Shea</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.maassagency.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Donald Maass Literary Agency</a></b><i><b> </b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/AgentShea" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @AgentShea</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Katie specializes in fiction and memoir, especially women’s fiction and commercial-scale literary fiction, and realistic YA. She is most interested in coming-of-age stories and stories of unique relationships.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPf-frc_YU8yTTM8o6VR1ieYBMgqY65WPpwhxXG7v_-BaiDrWFs6N5S7g3fsgxm7FKOZpnqrTuH-fsvmNHE-tDVYGQKvBWTe5oGUHXdwmXYa6CU-mr8pQLr-f6GMQfcMPClpW031wDvIO/s1600/Elise.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.14&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><b>Elise Capron</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Dijkstra-Literary-Agency/204596008168" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"></a></b></i><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sandra-Dijkstra-Literary-Agency/204596008168" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Dijkstra Literary Agency</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/EliseCapron" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @EliseCapron</a></b><b> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>E</b>lise is interested in serious character-driven literary fiction, well-written narrative nonfiction, and short story collections. (Note: She is not interested in Fantasy, young-adult/middle-grade, picture books, romance, and sci-fi.) She aims to work with writers who have a realistic sense of the market and their audience.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWXEetDBhPg/ULaVQdEkjiI/AAAAAAAACUM/oLN0wkgpgf8/s1600/Jodell.jpeg" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.15&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.picturebooklunch.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><i>Jodell Sadler</i></b></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.sadler-caravetteliterary.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sadler-Caravette Children's Literary </a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/picturebklunch" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @picturebklunch</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Jodell is interested in YA, MG (especially funny) , fiction and nonfiction, book proposals, and picture books. She will also coach writers wanting to self publish. She simply loves a well-paced story that moves her between joy and tears.</span><b></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="http://www.corvisieroagency.com/Home_Page.php" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Corvisiero Literary Agency</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Brit</b><b>tany and Michelle are teaming up to </b><b>look for Adult</b><b>, YA, and MG manuscripts.</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a4DgbaNSnLg/ULZKncTmKLI/AAAAAAAACQ8/_1ZtKs6cvN0/s1600/michelle.png" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.16&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i><b>M</b></i><i><b>ichelle Johnson</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/MJsRetweet" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @MJsRetweet</a></b><i><b> </b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #333333;">Michelle’s published one novel, The Footloose Killer, and edited several others for publishing houses and private clients. She also is a Script/Story consultant on an independent film in Halifax, NS, Canada, and enjoys working closely with writers to help them develop their voice and craft.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0Cw3BSXqJ8/ULZKYMGIC3I/AAAAAAAACQ0/jI5_6IB65VU/s1600/brit.png" style="clear: left; color: #1155cc; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ui=2&ik=e55236cdac&view=att&th=13b4cec33bd00002&attid=0.1.17&disp=emb&zw&atsh=1" width="131" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Brittany Howard</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><a href="https://twitter.com/brittanydhoward" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Twitter: @brittanydhoward</a></b><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When reading, Brittany loves to be introduced to new and interesting people and places. She looks for strong voice, good storytelling, and fascinating relationships between characters—romantic or otherwise. More than anything, she loves when a book surprises her.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There's just one more day to get your applications in for Pitch Wars. Make sure to check out this post <a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2012/11/pitch-wars-take-cover-its-coming_14.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a> to get all the details.</span></span></b></span></span></div>
Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-4421853269183622322012-12-03T06:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T06:00:00.378-05:00"And You Are...?" Blog Hoppin' Time<span style="font-size: large;">Drinking eggnog and opening presents are just a couple of the things I've been thinking about this Christmas season. But I never thought it would be this early and in the form of a bloghop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">That's right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's time for <a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Emily</b></a> and <a href="http://tammybr2.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Tammy's</b></a>, "And You Are...?" Bloghop!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubcgmokiw-iF1AeyjqUnLrksLz1OcHmw-FkkLsFOHzwAQ-PBhbMJqcvrheNz13Nw-plk7u28hBD0QC_XUBy8B_o7PPJDppFr2Asl4OHpZlbw_da6jwPBQnG0JilhG01N_N5LR9a4n8iTi/s1600/blogfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubcgmokiw-iF1AeyjqUnLrksLz1OcHmw-FkkLsFOHzwAQ-PBhbMJqcvrheNz13Nw-plk7u28hBD0QC_XUBy8B_o7PPJDppFr2Asl4OHpZlbw_da6jwPBQnG0JilhG01N_N5LR9a4n8iTi/s1600/blogfest.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Here's what it's all about in Emily's words:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Once eggnog hit the shelves, Mrs. Claus thought it'd be funny to "juice up" Santa's drink. Now the jolly elf is passed-out after one cup and Mrs. Claus can't keep up with the pre-Christmas demands. She's asked </span><a href="http://tammybr2.blogspot.com/" style="border: 0px; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial;"><span style="border: 0px; color: blue; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tammy</span></a><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> and me to help her out.</span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We told her, yeah, of course we'd help! But we're Hollywood, baby, so she'd have to speak with our assistant, David </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 20px;">Spade.</span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">After David picked up our dry cleaning, sorted out the green and red M&M's, and bought our kids' presents, he had a minute to sit down and tell us what Mrs. Claus wanted.</span></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We need to give away three Christmas presents, so we're going to interview a group of people, some naughty and some nice, to find those most deserving of Santa's toys.</span></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We threw some hot cocoa on David and told him to get on it by cutting his girly hair and going back to his '90s SNL character to start the interview process.</span></span></span></span></i></span></blockquote>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cool, right? I'm always up for some presents so I answered the questions. If you want to take part too, sign up <a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/2012/11/david-spade-is-coming-to-town.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> and follow the rules. Simple as that. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">And now for the questions:</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>1. How many speeding tickets have you gotten? </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Oh crap. I'm gonna say four, but that was over a seventeen year period. </span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2. Can you pitch a tent? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Heck yeah! I used to live in one after all:)</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3. What was your worst vacation ever? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">I have never had a bad vacation. Bad things have happened, like cars breaking down, my mom breaking her ribs on a ride, that sort of thing, but a vacay is a vacay. I enjoy them while they last. </span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4. What was the last thing you bought over $100? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Groceries</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">5. We're handing you the keys to what? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">A fully paid off house!</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">6. What was the last meal you cooked that made even <i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">you</i> sick? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">I honestly couldn't say, but I can remember the last food that made me sick. It was this crab souffle at a Chinese restaurant. I've not been able to eat it since. </span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">7. Fill in the blank: Oh my gosh! Becky, look at her butt! It is so <i style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">big</i>. She looks like ____? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">ME:) (Love that song, BTW)</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">8. What was your first car? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">1989 Maroon Ford Mustang</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">9. Your best friend falls and gets hurt. Do you ask if he/she's okay or laugh first? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">Depends on the fall. A trip warrants a giggle at least. A rough fall and I'm as caring as they come.</span></span></span></span><br style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;" /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">10. What's the worst song ever? </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Barbie Girl by Aqua</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">That was fun! I can't wait to see what everyone else answered.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks, Emily and Tammy for hosting!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border: 0px; color: #222222; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>As a side note, I'm curious what everyone has planned for the holidays?</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-62343440992814158012012-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:002012-12-03T22:22:52.446-05:00Pitch Wars Sub Window is Open Now! So...PICK ME!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnQxMEP76R8Nq061VoZYHkFV0xipR_BKmWMxkKMBkGs8pf2bDY3tGPQNx6XA1iCUxMiqYfpJs9tn3lrYrALwHaBYNYH4YX5PKuavKRQmL-nzNZQby4lIZf-4W9jKKl-fSOiYrtz9MaIOU/s1600/Pitch+Wars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnQxMEP76R8Nq061VoZYHkFV0xipR_BKmWMxkKMBkGs8pf2bDY3tGPQNx6XA1iCUxMiqYfpJs9tn3lrYrALwHaBYNYH4YX5PKuavKRQmL-nzNZQby4lIZf-4W9jKKl-fSOiYrtz9MaIOU/s320/Pitch+Wars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Holy Crapola! It's Pitch Wars time! </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's about to get all kinds of crazy these next two months! And guess what? I'm going to be right up in the mix!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm one of the coaches! But I'm sure you know that if you clicked on my pic from another coaches blog. No clue what I'm talking about? Keep reading and it'll all be clear.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If YA is your thing </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">then basically, I want you! To coach you that is:) Seriously! </span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This is the point where I'm supposed to tell you how fantabulous I am and in turn, you'll respond with an enthusiastic, "Wow, she really does rock! I want her!" </span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">But alas, I'm a self-deprecating writer. Meaning, I'm not the best at throwing around my awesomeness. What I <i>will </i>do, however, is promise that if I fall for your idea and writing, I'll work my t-total tail off for you, because at the end of the day, I'm just a writer following a dream. I've been lucky enough to land Sarah LaPolla as my workhorse agent, making a part of my dream, a reality. That accomplishment is one I want as many writers with like-minded goals to experience. It's why I ran the month-long <b><a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/08/gutgaa-schedule.html" target="_blank">GUTGAA blogfest</a>.</b> It's why I'm doing Pitch Wars now. So I may not have a writing degree or professional editing experience, but I have passion and drive and the want for all writers to succeed. If you pick me we'll blow in as the underdog and finish Kung Fu Panda style.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MinAph4kyYrnWlLXnklrf7PeQrWLvyZv3Q-ynCkh3HYskTqbmdC-CQILHCA6NZ6nx3xrLIKc_DgSW-d_VL_ye_vFiNdIV7Kt07fB-LtT37LdYwURFdaWtLLPiwpdxwm6uAF-lhyphenhyphen4liO2/s1600/cat_dog_fight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MinAph4kyYrnWlLXnklrf7PeQrWLvyZv3Q-ynCkh3HYskTqbmdC-CQILHCA6NZ6nx3xrLIKc_DgSW-d_VL_ye_vFiNdIV7Kt07fB-LtT37LdYwURFdaWtLLPiwpdxwm6uAF-lhyphenhyphen4liO2/s320/cat_dog_fight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">If you haven't rolled your eyes and clicked on to another coach by now, <b>here's what I'm looking for.</b> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I write sci-fi, so of course I always love a good one. I'm also a fan of magical realism, fantasy (though epic fantasy isn't really my thing), and thrillers or mysteries with a twist of the abnormal. I have a huge crush on mashup novels. If you can throw me for a loop as I'm reading, I'm yours! Lastly, angsty love that leaves my head all abuzz is right up my alley. If any of that sounds like your book, I BEG YOU, PICK ME!!! Please know, though, that more than anything, I love being in love. So if your book grabs me and it isn't any of the above I mentioned, I won't turn you away. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope that helps you make your choice:)</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now for the details...</span><br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Submissions start today (11/26) !</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> The cut off time to get your applications (query & first five pages of manuscript) in is </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">8PM EST</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> on </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">December 5</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. </span><br />
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<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u></u><u></u>Send your applications to <b><a href="mailto:brendadrakecontests@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">brendadrakecontests@gmail.com</a></b>. Writers can apply for up to <b>3</b> coaches. The coaches' categories are set. Coaches can only consider the categories they've signed up for. Writers cannot apply for a coach that is not in their category.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For additional information about this contest go <b><a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/11/announcing-pitch-wars.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">· This is open to </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">finished</b><span style="font-size: large;"> manuscripts only.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">· You may only enter <b>one</b> manuscript.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u></u><u></u>· Only the genres requested by each coach will be considered for the contest.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Formatting...</b><u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Subject line: Pitch Wars Application: Coach Name you want to apply for: Title (Example: Pitch Wars Application:<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Brenda</span> <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Drake</span>: GONE WITH THE WIND)<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Name: Your Name<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Genre: The genre of your manuscript<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Word Count: The word count of your manuscript<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Query letter here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">First five pages of the manuscript here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">``````````````````````````````<wbr></wbr>``````````````````````````````<wbr></wbr>````````````````<u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>REMINDER:</b> You can send an application for up to 3 coaches. <u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Check back soon for a complete list of the amazing agents participating in the contest. There's over a dozen!</b><u></u><br /><u></u></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia, serif;"><b>T</b><b>oday all the coaches are posting bios/wish lists on their blogs. So before choosing your top 3 picks, check all the coaches' posts in your category before deciding which coach to submit. To jump from blog to blog, just click on our pictures below.</b></span><b><u></u> </b></span></div>
<div id="preview-13Nov2012" style="border: 2px solid #bbb; color: #bbbbbb; text-align: center;">
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/thumblink.php?owner=brenleedrake&postid=13Nov2012" type="text/javascript"></script>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-75808002459760950612012-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:002012-11-14T08:00:08.499-05:00ANNOUNCING PITCH WARS!!!<span style="font-size: large;">I am interrupting my fun-filled Florida vacay to announce an agent pitch contest you <b>DO NOT WANT TO MISS!</b> Check it out...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnQxMEP76R8Nq061VoZYHkFV0xipR_BKmWMxkKMBkGs8pf2bDY3tGPQNx6XA1iCUxMiqYfpJs9tn3lrYrALwHaBYNYH4YX5PKuavKRQmL-nzNZQby4lIZf-4W9jKKl-fSOiYrtz9MaIOU/s1600/Pitch+Wars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnQxMEP76R8Nq061VoZYHkFV0xipR_BKmWMxkKMBkGs8pf2bDY3tGPQNx6XA1iCUxMiqYfpJs9tn3lrYrALwHaBYNYH4YX5PKuavKRQmL-nzNZQby4lIZf-4W9jKKl-fSOiYrtz9MaIOU/s320/Pitch+Wars.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're extremely excited to announce an upcoming event where agented authors, industry interns, and editors team up with <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2016505486794178553" name="0.2__GoBack"></a>aspiring writers to shine up their manuscripts and pitches to present to some awesome agents.</span><br />
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<div style="line-height: 14pt;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">Here's the deets...</span></div>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">The teams will consist of 1 agented author or industry intern or editor (coaches) and 1 aspiring author.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>November 26</b>: The coaches (listed on the linky below) will post on their blogs what genre/category they want to coach. They'll be very specific genres. Aspiring writers will hop around and decide which coaches best fit their manuscripts.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 5</b>: Aspiring writers will submit 3 "applications" to their top choices for coaches to the contest email (<a href="mailto:brendadrakecontests@gmail.com" target="_blank">brendadrakecontests@gmail.com</a><wbr></wbr>) during the allotted times (8AM to 8PM EST). That means, participants will send three separate emails to the contest email addressing each with one of their three top choices for coach.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 5 through December 10</b>: Coaches will read the applications and pick teammates.The coaches don't have to pick from their applications. If a coach passes on an application, it is then up for grabs and another coach, if they haven't connected to their applicants, can snatch it after notifying the applicant and if the applicant chooses the coach.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 12:</b> Teams will be announced. On the announcement post there will be instructions on how the winners must send their work.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>December 12 through January 16:</b> Each coach will read their teammate's manuscript and give general notes on any issues they find. The coach will help their teammate get his or her pitches ready for the agent round.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note:</b> The material for the agent round will be a 3 sentence pitch and the first 250 words of your manuscript. Coaches will read manuscripts and query letters only once and give notes. It is up to the writer to use the notes from their coaches to get the manuscript and query letter in as best shape as they can to send to requesting agents. The coaches will critique the three sentence pitch and first 250 words. The coaches will read them as many times as they deem necessary. In no way will writers expect the coaches to read the manuscript and query letter more than once or the pitches more than twice.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>January 20:</b> Coaches will submit shined pitches to the contest email.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>January 23 and 24:</b> Agents will read and make requests on the pitches they like (it is likely that not all participants will get requests).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>January 25:</b> We'll announce the team with the most requests and who will take home the winning prizes (an amazon gift card for each).</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is open to finished manuscripts only.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">You may only enter one manuscript.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial;">
<li style="margin-left: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Only the genres requested by each coach will be considered for the contest.</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14pt;">Formatting...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Subject line: Pitch Wars Application: Coach Name you want to apply for: Title (Example: Pitch Wars Application: Brenda Drake: GONE WITH THE WIND)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Name: Your Name</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Genre: The genre of your manuscript</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Word Count: The word count of your manuscript</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Query letter here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/thumblink.php?owner=brenleedrake&postid=13Nov2012" type="text/javascript"></script>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-86140914843358184202012-11-09T03:00:00.000-05:002012-11-09T03:00:01.207-05:00And You Are..?<span style="font-size: large;">I know my slacker status, as far as blogging goes, has been at an all time high. I have a million excuses, none of which really matter. But I miss my blogging buddies in a big way. Seriously! And I'm so ready to get back into the swing of things! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">BUT...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Due to a quick little excursion to DISNEY WORLD next week--yep that's right, I'm hangin' with the mouse for seven days--I won't go into full fledged blogging mode until after the trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before I head out, though, I wanted to let you all in on a blog hop beginning next month that is sure to get you in the holiday mood! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You'll thank me later:)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohSugXw_s3_C5JKaTDtif2vl5slskjEIWyD8qfnwyJS8fbhjUL09y9LZmxqDKxfcXOmo_OV-Ajs1dzfP17raL3oQ1OASYeIUsnOoH57p9lUMrr0GU2R2z5NddzsGt80feLyaj8vW6opr/s1600/blogfest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqohSugXw_s3_C5JKaTDtif2vl5slskjEIWyD8qfnwyJS8fbhjUL09y9LZmxqDKxfcXOmo_OV-Ajs1dzfP17raL3oQ1OASYeIUsnOoH57p9lUMrr0GU2R2z5NddzsGt80feLyaj8vW6opr/s1600/blogfest.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Ms. Claus is giving away presents to three lucky people, but they must answer interview questions with David Spade first. Click </span><a href="http://getbusywriting.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> to sign up for the "And You Are..?" Blog Hop. Hurry, before all the good seats are taken!</span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn't want to be interviewed by David Spade and showered with presents by the one and only, Ms. Claus?! I'm so in:) What about you?</span><br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-35359712546105072582012-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:002012-10-31T10:56:04.185-04:00GUTGAA Critique Groups and Final Prizes!Now that GUTGAA has come to an end I've been able to relax, spend time with my family and begin plotting a new novel. Life is good! I hope everyone enjoyed all the festivities over the past month. I know I did! There were so many requests made! I really couldn't be happier...unless you all land agents and grab book deals from it:)<br />
<br />
I apologize for not being at my best toward the end of the blogfest. I wasn't able to get to the last prizes so I'm doing that now. Check <a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/p/gutgaa-prize-station.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> to see if you won:)<br />
<br />
Also, to those that helped out with GUTGAA, I can't thank you enough. I SERIOUSLY wouldn't have been able to do it without you guys! I wish I could list everyone, but there were just sooooo many. Please know how very grateful I am to you!<br />
<br />
Now, for critique groups. I've finally been able to out them together and I did so based on the info you all gave me. Thanks for your patience with this.<br />
<br />
I will list the groups below. Please go find the names on the initial sign up list <a href="http://deanabarnhart.blogspot.com/2012/09/critique-and-beta-connections.html" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. There you can read their interests as well as contact info. If an email address was left I'll put it beside the name as well. It is my sincere hope that these groups work out, but if not, I'm very sorry:( You are welcome to try to contact anyone on the list yourself and look for yourself to find your perfect match. <br />
<br />
<strong>Group 1</strong><br />
Connie Dowell - cgbdowell (at) gmail (dot) com<br />
Heather B (Heather Brady)<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Group 2</strong><br />
Fel Wetzig - fwetzig@scotzig.com <br />
Diana Riggins - sjledge2@aol.com<br />
Bobbi Romans - <a href="mailto:vitch36@embarqmail.com">vitch36@embarqmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 3</strong><br />
Kathryn Blake - <a href="mailto:krbfeedback@kathrynrblake.com">krbfeedback@kathrynrblake.com</a><br />
Misa Buckley - <a href="mailto:misa.buckley@gmail.com">misa.buckley@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 4</strong> <br />
L. Dean Pace French - deanfrech@aol.com<br />
Carrie-Anne - CarrieAnne79@yahoo.com <br />
Katie J.H. Teller - katiejteller@hotmail.com<br />
Robbie Macniven - r.d.macniven@live.co.uk<br />
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<strong>Group 5</strong><br />
Abby Cavenaugh - abscavenaugh@yahoo.com<br />
Karma Brown<br />
<br />
<strong>Group 6</strong> <br />
T.J. - t.j.loveless@gmail.com<br />
Todd R. Moody - kardaen@gmail.com<br />
Cregg Stuart Hardwick - <a href="mailto:cStuartHardwick@earthlink.net">cStuartHardwick@earthlink.net</a><br />
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<strong>Group 7</strong> <br />
Kim - <a href="mailto:marianmlibrarian@gmail.com">marianmlibrarian@gmail.com</a><br />
Aldrea - aldreaalien(at)yahoo.co.nz<br />
Kay Kauffman - <a href="mailto:kaysielynn@suddenlytheyalldied.com">kaysielynn@suddenlytheyalldied.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 8</strong> <br />
Amy Cavenaugh - amycavenaugh@gmail.com<br />
Melissa Sugar - sugarlaw67@yahoo.com<br />
Hunter Emkay - hunteremkay@gmail.com<br />
Daniel - <a href="mailto:daniel.lawrence.baker@gmail.com">daniel.lawrence.baker@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 9</strong> <br />
Jeri Walker-Bickett - <a href="mailto:jeriwb@gmail.com">jeriwb@gmail.com</a><br />
Jenny - jenny.c.herrera@gmail.com<br />
Mia Siegert - <a href="mailto:siegert.mia@gmail.com">siegert.mia@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 10</strong> <br />
Selim Yeniceri - gorre_7@hotmail.com<br />
Amanda Salisbury - salisburyfreelance@gmail.com<br />
Dr. Margaret Aranda - <a href="mailto:drmargaretaranda@yahoo.com">drmargaretaranda@yahoo.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 11</strong><br />
Cheryl Hettick - <a href="mailto:koevoetfamily@hotmail.com">koevoetfamily@hotmail.com</a><br />
Heather Riffle - <a href="mailto:heather.sizemore1@gmail.com">heather.sizemore1@gmail.com</a><br />
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<strong>Group 12</strong><br />
Jen Haight - <a href="mailto:jenn.haight1602@gmail.com">jenn.haight1602@gmail.com</a><br />
Ellen Rozek - <a href="mailto:ellenmrozek@gmail.com">ellenmrozek@gmail.com</a><br />
Jess Schira - <a href="mailto:naggingdilemma@yahoo.com">naggingdilemma@yahoo.com</a><br />
Meagan - <a href="mailto:meagan@happyowlbooks.com">meagan@happyowlbooks.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:meagan@happyowlbooks.com">Jodie Andrefski - paradoxgrl@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 13</strong><br />
Kissed by Ink - <a href="mailto:kissedbyink@gmail.com">kissedbyink@gmail.com</a><br />
Emily Mead - <a href="mailto:emily.mead3@live.com.au">emily.mead3@live.com.au</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 14</strong><br />
Beth Pond - <a href="mailto:bethpond90@aol.com">bethpond90@aol.com</a><br />
Diana Gallagher - <a href="mailto:diana.m.gallagher@gmail.com">diana.m.gallagher@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 15</strong><br />
Jodie Andrefski - <a href="mailto:paradoxgrl@gmail.com">paradoxgrl@gmail.com</a><br />
Jenna - <a href="mailto:fansoffiction@hotmail.com">fansoffiction@hotmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 16</strong><br />
Quixcy - <a href="mailto:ashleyposton90@gmail.com">ashleyposton90@gmail.com</a><br />
Jenfromtheblock - <a href="mailto:kreftci@att.net">kreftci@att.net</a><br />
Connie - <a href="mailto:connieannmichael@gmail.com">connieannmichael@gmail.com</a><br />
Lyla - <a href="mailto:lima_bean_13@yahoo.com">lima_bean_13@yahoo.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 17</strong><br />
Jadzia Brandli - <a href="mailto:jadzia.brandli@Visucomm.net">jadzia.brandli@Visucomm.net</a><br />
Rebecca Ethington - <a href="mailto:contact@rebeccaethington.com">contact@rebeccaethington.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 18</strong><br />
priyakanaparti - <a href="mailto:pkanaparti@gmail.com">pkanaparti@gmail.com</a><br />
Lindsey Frydman - <a href="mailto:LindseyMFrydman@gmail.com">LindseyMFrydman@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 19</strong> <br />
Amanda Foody - <a href="mailto:akfoody@gmail.com">akfoody@gmail.com</a><br />
Anime - <a href="mailto:thatgirlani@gmail.com">thatgirlani@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 20 </strong><br />
Meghan Kirkland - <a href="mailto:kirkyland@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">kirkyland@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
Brinda Berry - <a href="mailto:brinda@brindaberry.com">brinda@brindaberry.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 21</strong> <br />
Ruth Anne Frost - <a href="mailto:ruthann.frost@gmail.com">ruthann.frost@gmail.com</a><br />
Heather M Bryant - <a href="mailto:heather_b@live.com.au">heather_b@live.com.au</a><br />
Sarah J. - <a href="mailto:sjc@sarahjclift.com">sjc@sarahjclift.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 22</strong><br />
Jessica Becker - <a href="mailto:jessicabeckerbooks@gmail.com">jessicabeckerbooks@gmail.com</a><br />
Jessica Foster - <a href="mailto:jessica.foster45@yahoo.com">jessica.foster45@yahoo.com</a><br />
Johana Vera - <a href="mailto:johana.vera.garcia@hotmail.com">johana.vera.garcia@hotmail.com</a><br />
Meghan Drummond - <a href="mailto:medrummond@gmail.com">medrummond@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 23</strong><br />
Stacey Nash - <a href="mailto:contact@staceynash.com">contact@staceynash.com</a><br />
Kathleen - <a href="mailto:gaelicfairie@gmail.com">gaelicfairie@gmail.com</a><br />
Paula Sangare - <a href="mailto:psangare51@gmail.com">psangare51@gmail.com</a><br />
Virginia Boecker - <a href="mailto:virginia@virginiaboecker.com">virginia@virginiaboecker.com</a><br />
Lauren Spieller - <a href="mailto:lauren.spieller@gmail.com">lauren.spieller@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 24</strong><br />
Rebecca Fyfe - <a href="mailto:Rebecca@Fyfe.net">Rebecca@Fyfe.net</a><br />
Donna L Martin - <a href="mailto:donasdays@gmail.com">donasdays@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 25</strong><br />
Brandon Stenger - <a href="mailto:b.stenger@gmail.com">b.stenger@gmail.com</a><br />
Craig Schmidt - <a href="mailto:craigschmidt@msn.com">craigschmidt@msn.com</a><br />
<br />
<strong>Group 26</strong> <br />
Rachel - <a href="mailto:racheljipso@gmail.com">racheljipso@gmail.com</a><br />
VikLit - <a href="mailto:viklitblog@gmail.com">viklitblog@gmail.com</a><br />
Sara - <a href="mailto:riouch.sara@gmail.com">riouch.sara@gmail.com</a><br />
Alex Brown - <a href="mailto:alex.brown815@gmail.com">alex.brown815@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-30257153222016172862012-10-08T06:00:00.025-04:002012-10-08T06:00:12.297-04:00Final Round of the Small Press Contest. Right Here. Right Now<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YNWeL4fjxriTIG48q0wX-FUVmpzMGCmrP2ezDDovJZZe7yfe-HhuO2yY6bzNw96njQvwca6hlS10_UQSTvG1TdYjPCvSDTVYF5uxh1J2tIkZdOs1NKzBYnQgwVKKU3rnAd_kPy2RBlKW/s1600/GUTGAA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YNWeL4fjxriTIG48q0wX-FUVmpzMGCmrP2ezDDovJZZe7yfe-HhuO2yY6bzNw96njQvwca6hlS10_UQSTvG1TdYjPCvSDTVYF5uxh1J2tIkZdOs1NKzBYnQgwVKKU3rnAd_kPy2RBlKW/s200/GUTGAA.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
This is it folks. The final round of the final contest. By Friday, GUTGAA will be over until next year.<br />
<br />
BUT<br />
<br />
It's not over yet.<br />
<br />
This week we're closing out the Small Press Pitch Contest!!<br />
<br />
Here are the rules...<br />
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-Editors will have until Friday to leave feedback and/or make requests.<br />
<br />
-ONLY editors can comment on the entries through Friday. After that anyone is welcome to comment.<br />
<br />
-The editors will leave their query directions in the comments section.<br />
<br />
It's pretty simple. Good luck to you all!!!<br />
<br />
<br />Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-69587549159209855802012-10-08T06:00:00.024-04:002012-10-08T06:00:10.453-04:00Small Press Finalist #1 - Race to Butch Cassidy's Gold<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RACE TO BUTCH CASSIDY'S GOLD</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MG Mystery</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">43,000</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Query:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twelve-year-old Maggie McCoy wants to be brave and spontaneous. But she's not. Especially when it comes to school bullies and flying by the seat of her pants. So when she and her fearless cousin Jake stumble upon century-old clues leading to gold coins hidden by Butch Cassidy—farm boy turned infamous bank robber of the Wild West—she crumples her "to-do" list to prove she really can be daring and impulsive.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And at first, searching for gold with Jake and their quirky Grandpa Jim in his beat-up Winnebago is the grand adventure she's always wanted. But Maggie's newfound courage falters when she learns they must outsmart and outrun a dangerous thief who is also after the treasure.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The race is on. But just as Maggie and Jake think they've solved the mystery, Jake is captured and all the "to-do" lists in the world won't save him. Only Maggie can, if she can find the courage. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RACE TO BUTCH CASSIDY'S GOLD is a middle grade mystery in which Maggie's present-day adventures parallel Butch Cassidy's past until mystery and history collide. This book stands alone, but can open the door for a series that exposes readers to fast-paced adventures across the fifty states.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First 150 Words:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twelve seconds until summer vacation. Maggie’s eyes locked on the jerking hand of the classroom clock that counted down the last seconds of sixth grade. Someone in the back of the room began chanting, “Ten, nine, eight—”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone else joined in, “Seven, six—”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Almost time!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Maggie thought, sitting at the edge of her seat.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Five, four—”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Just a few more seconds.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“THREE, TWO—”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now!</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“ONE!!”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RRRRINGGGG!!</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The class erupted into cheers.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maggie jumped out of her seat, slung her pink backpack over her shoulder, and slipped out the classroom door. As she ran down the school’s rickety old steps, she pulled the “to-do” list she had carefully prepared the night before out of her back pocket.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Five minutes. That’s how long she’d given herself to make it to Slotz Convenience Store. She studied the large crowd in front of her and took a deep breath. She examined her bright green digital watch, pushed the start button, and took off running.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-90997361068226511822012-10-08T06:00:00.023-04:002012-10-08T11:03:41.579-04:00Small Press Finalist #2 - Speck Hawkins<b id="internal-source-marker_0.06748834997415543" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPECK HAWKINS</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">UPPER MG FANTASY</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">70,000 WORDS</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speck Hawkins, the quiet kid labeled </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">worthless nerd</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> by everyone who matters, is more than ready for a fresh start. He gets exactly that when he transfers to Lorincaut Academy, a prestigious boarding school with unusual teaching methods. Armed with a plan—speak up, ditch the nerdwear, and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">never</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> eat alone—he expects to remake himself within the first month.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What he </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">doesn't</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> expect?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The creepy lake, where his good luck rock dissolves to ash before his eyes.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">His sudden, inexplicable development of 20/20 vision.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The blood-red note with his name erratically scrawled on it, sent by someone who claims she can make his every wish come true.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That the life he's always wanted comes with a deadly price. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SPECK HAWKINS is an upper middle-grade fantasy novel with series potential.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FIRST 150 WORDS:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Speck Hawkins fumbled in the weeds for his thick, black-rimmed glasses. He slid the heavy frames up his nose, as he'd done every day for years, only to discover he no longer needed them: blurred through the lenses, sunny yellow splotches appeared all over the lake, bright spots against dark water. He yanked the glasses from his face.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Without them, he saw with perfect clarity: marigolds. Ten flowers floated on the water; ten more bobbed up from below the silver-gray surface. They lingered there, like dead fish in a stagnant pond, until suddenly they began to deteriorate. The petals, the stems—one by one, they shriveled to ash and faded into the lake, until every last flower was gone. A chill turned his arm hairs to frayed wires. No birds chirped, no leaves rustled, no wind howled under the heavy gray clouds; there was only silence, thick and deafening.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-71745882155771189312012-10-08T06:00:00.022-04:002012-10-08T06:00:05.490-04:00Small Press Finalist #3 - Warwick Hall<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Warwick Hall</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YA Paranormal Murder Mystery</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">95,000 words</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Query</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Warwick Hall, the living and the dead both have secrets. Cassie has been waiting two years for her body to be found. She can’t remember how she died but she knows something is with her in the darkness--something from which even death is no protection.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sophia Cross is a new student at Warwick Hall. Her father has taken up a teaching position at the school and they’re looking for a fresh start after a car crash left her mother dead and Sophia in a month-long coma. She doesn’t know where she was as she hovered between life and death, but she can still sense the darkness.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When Sophia moves into Cassie’s house, the girls learn to communicate via Magnetic Poetry. Cassie and Sophia will have to work together if they are to unravel the mystery behind Cassie’s death and the menacing presence that haunts them both. The answers are hidden somewhere within Warwick Hall, where everyone is a potential suspect and trusting the wrong person could get you killed.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First 150 words:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a beautiful day to be dead.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cassie lay in a bed of leaves on the riverside. The sun peeked out from behind a cloud. She couldn’t feel it, but she imagined it to be warm.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She found herself waking up here more and more often. Cassie had been waiting almost two years for her body to be found. She didn’t know if this was Hell, but it sure wasn’t Heaven.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She shook the foliage out of her hair--to a passerby it would look like a sudden, isolated gust of wind. Cassie could never actually move anything when she wanted to, of course, but sometimes her energy brushed against the Living world.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">She meandered back toward Warwick Hall, the prep school where her father had been the chaplain. She spied a doe taking a drink from the river, cool and sweet. The animal tensed as if it knew that she was there. The deer locked eyes with her and startled, loping off like it had seen, well, a ghost.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cassie threw her hands in the air in frustration. The only sentient creatures that could see her were afraid of her. They sensed she shouldn’t be there, that she’d stayed too long at the party.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But she had no idea how to “move on” or “go into the light,” or whatever it was restless spirits were supposed to do. She couldn’t even have any fun haunting anyone because she didn’t know how to make the Living hear or see her.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-80476415768138108692012-10-08T06:00:00.021-04:002012-10-08T06:00:02.526-04:00Small Press Finalist #4 - The Desiree<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Desiree</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YA Romance with a sci-fi twist</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">61K</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">QUERY:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sixteen-year-old Stevie Ryan has her hopes set on making the U.S. Winter Olympic snowboarding team. When her Achilles tendon tears during a competition, her dreams are crushed. Now she’s stuck spending the summer in a leg brace in Chicago. Frustrated and away from her life and friends, Stevie learns to make do in the neighborhood and stumbles onto a vintage cinema called The Desiree.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There she meets the owner’s eccentric (which is a euphemism for agoraphobic insomniac) grandson, Knox Trotter, and he’s way different than the local boys back home. Knox’s oddities are what allure her—with his quirky film lines and love of vintage fashion. Besides running the theatre himself one day, Knox wants one thing: to learn the truth of what happened in the theatre on the night he was born, when his parents disappeared. The answers seem to be tied to the theatre, but The Desiree is barely hanging on financially. If it closes down, Knox may never achieve his goal. If there’s one thing Stevie understands, it’s the pain of unreached goals. The closer she gets to Knox, the more his mission becomes her own, but they have to hurry, before The Desiree shuts its doors forever. If that happens, not only will Stevie lose the guy she’s falling for, but the secrets the theatre holds will remain a mystery forever—secrets that will have Stevie questioning everything she ever knew about the universe.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FIRST 150 WORDS:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Straddled behind the driver, Stevie Ryan gripped the snowmobile’s side handles as they cruised up the mountainside, her face turned toward the morning sun. Fresh powder from last night’s snowfall shimmered on the surrounding peaks. The sky was cloudless. Conditions were crucial, and so far, everything about today was ideal. Stevie shifted in her seat, antsy with adrenaline, ready to carve the snow-packed surface of the half-pipe and claim another title. Closing her eyes, she inhaled evergreen air so deeply that her nostrils tingled. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Find your place, find your Zen</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. She refocused on the horizon and tucked her earbuds under her snowcap, cranking her favorite Coldplay song until the music swelled in her ears. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God, I love it here</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #353535; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As the half-pipe came into view, the muscles in Stevie’s legs flexed. Today would make it all worth it—all the sweets she’d given up, and partying with friends; all those weekends she’d risen at daybreak while every other sixteen year old in America was sleeping in.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-28490673460254549762012-10-08T06:00:00.020-04:002012-10-08T06:00:07.729-04:00Small Press Finalist #5 - 151<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">151</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YA sci-fi/fantasy</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">84,000 words</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Query:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seventeen-year-old Aeneas doesn't belong to a Colony. As the bloody scars on his back remind him, he was one more than needed:151. He lives as a thief in the lawless Ilium Underground, a haven for mobsters, freaks, and outcasts from the Colony Spires above. When the band of pirates that raised him is slaughtered by the relentless Secret Police, he finds himself lost, on the run, and worst of all, alone.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It takes the chance rescue of Casseopea, a beautiful young Apprentice from the Colonies, to make the running stop. Obsessed with obtaining the ancient and powerful Key of Ilium, her Chieftain has sent her into the Underground to search for it. If she can survive long enough to find it, she'll pass her Trials and remain part of her Colony's 150. If she fails, she'll be banished to the Underground for good. On the run or not, Aeneas is just the help she needs.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But the Key is more than just a relic from Ilium's past. For Casseopea, it will be vital to sparking a rebellion against her Chieftain and freeing the members of her Colony. For Aeneas, it will not only unlock the secret behind his scars, it will reveal the startling truth about where he belongs.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First 151 Words:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“What d’you know of the Key, boy? Tell me, or you die.”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aeneas looked up into the bulging brown and purple eyes of the man called Gore, one of the most powerful Titans of the Ilium Underground. The yellow scar that ran down the tip of the man’s bulbous nose throbbed in time with his heavy breathing as the question hung in the air between them. Aeneas’ dark curls were drenched from the sewage leaking from above, and his wrists were cut by the metal chains that tied his arms behind his neck. His steel-coloured eyes were almost drained of life.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“The Key of Ilium!” Gore snorted. Saliva dripped from the sides of his mouth and down his winding goatee. “Where is it?”</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Aeneas’ mind clouded with confusion as he searched through his memories from the past 17 years. A shiver ran through his body. “Don’t… know anything about a key…”</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-13139489573811003932012-10-08T06:00:00.019-04:002012-10-08T06:00:15.014-04:00Small Press Finalist #6 - The Children of the Nephilim<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">THE CHILDREN OF THE NEPHILIM</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YA Sci-Fi</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">63,000</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Query:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sixteen-year old Paxton Mills freaking hates living in space. The station is freezing cold, her berth is barely bigger than a port-a-potty and her fear of heights doesn’t lend itself to a comfortable intergalactic experience. She’s one of several hundred teenagers saved from the fires that ravaged Earth. Handpicked for their ability to acclimate to celestial living, they were taken to ensure humanity’s survival. But Paxton isn’t grateful to her rescuers for whisking her into space and educating her in hydroponics and uniform maintenance. How could she give a damn about hanging squash or maintaining a wrinkle-free jumper, when memories of her mom being left behind to die haunt her?</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Her days of sulking end when she realizes her teachers aren’t humans, but aliens called the Nephilim. Knowing she needs proof, Paxton breaks into a forbidden ward and finds curled and crusty teens barely clinging to life. That's when she discovers she and the other kids were never taken to ensure humanity’s survival. They were taken to ensure the survival of the Nephilim.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unwilling to end up resembling an oversized fetus, Paxton rallies her friends so together they can find an escape. As they unravel the mystery of the station and their captors, Paxton’s boyfriend is murdered. If Paxton wants to save her friends from this same fate, she must trust an annoyingly perfect hybrid named Kendal and accept that good and evil don’t always run skin deep.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First 150 Words:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My knees ached from pressing into the honeycomb design of the metal deck. Leaning forward, I pushed my forehead against the tiny porthole waiting until the ashen rock that was once Earth rotated into view. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It had been two years since I touched a blade of grass — two years since fresh air entered my lungs. Yet the brilliant greens and blues of the bejeweled planet that was my home for fourteen years rarely entered my thoughts. More often, I was haunted by the last images blazed into my memory. Shadows. Flames.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The dim light from my old world finally appeared. Although my heart raced, the rest of me remained frozen until it vanished once again. I shut the shade and stood, my legs warming as the blood slowly returned to them. Even with the burned planet out of sight, the pounding in my chest continued, making it difficult to breathe.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2016505486794178553.post-31652878270461045622012-10-08T06:00:00.018-04:002012-10-08T06:00:13.483-04:00Small Press Finalist #7 - The Guardian Lineage<b id="internal-source-marker_0.42439330858178437" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Guardian Lineage</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YA / Urban Fantasy</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">91,000 words</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Query:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TO DO LIST:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Protect gargoyles during the day? Check.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Escape from ex-girlfriend trying to kill you? Check.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Figure out if new crush is an enemy spy? Um... still pending.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sixteen-year-old Mike Prior is a Guardian, a protector of the gargoyle clans. He loves being able to throw fire, manipulate energy, and fight along steroid-using bat-wrestlers.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s the other perks of the job that have him worried.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chief among those is Mike’s ex-girlfriend, Laura. Apparently she’s a Slayer, whatever that means, and she's trying to kill him. A shame, considering how well things had been going.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s this little problem with Mike’s ancestry – turns out his great-grandfather was the most notorious Guardian traitor of all time, and half the school hates his guts. More than one kid has taken a cheap-shot at him during Sparring class, which, to be honest, wouldn’t be all that bad… if “taking a cheap-shot during Sparring class” didn’t mean firing a bolt of electricity into his back.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, the perk he’d love to figure out - his new crush. She is amazing. Beautiful. And almost definitely an enemy spy. Which complicates things.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now Mike’s discovered a mole within the Guardian ranks, and a subsequent Black Brethren plot to use Mike's own powers to destroy the Guardians and rule the world. He's got to figure out which side everybody is on, and quick.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because if the Brethren don’t get to him, his closest friends just might.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First 150 words:</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike Prior hated it when his girlfriend kicked his butt.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The wind left his lungs as a sharp kick nailed him in the chest. He stumbled backwards, surprised, his bare feet grasping for footing on the carpet. Another roundhouse came, this time aimed at his temple. Mike ducked underneath it. He slipped a hand out of his karategi-sleeve and grabbed Laura's arm to pin her down, but she was too quick. In one fluid motion, she grasped his forearm and flipped him onto his back.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Mike rolled left and handsprang to his feet. Cheering filled his ears. He twirled a fist at her, but she was too far and avoided it easily. Laura took a shot at his torso, but he blocked it and countered with a similar jab. Finally, after a few seconds of punch-counterpunch, Mike landed a shot on Laura's stomach. She lurched forward, eyes squinted and mouth open in a stunned expression of pain.</span></b>Deanahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17958057331230037880noreply@blogger.com2